Thursday, July 7, 2016

Christmas in July 2016: Jim Inman

1) What Christmas episode/special/or movie always puts you in the holiday spirit?

Does it have to be one? I would say that either Charlie Brown's Christmas or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are the ones to really make it feel like Christmas. Of course there are many, many other great Christmas movies and specials to watch, but those two bring out the kid memories from years ago.

Daddy sharing his Santa story after arriving home on Christmas--in 1971's The Homecoming.

2) What Christmas program or scene brings you to tears?

There is something special about "Daddy" coming home on Christmas in The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, which was the lead-in to the television series The Waltons. That family wanted to be together so much, more than any toy or gift.

I also think Jimmy Stewart offered one of his best performances when he begged God, and Clarence, to "live again" in It's a Wonderful Life. So many of us have challenging times in our own lives, and that moment helps us remember that we are not alone.

3) What's your favorite quote of dialogue, song lyric, or sentiment from a Christmas program?

There are a few that just stand out to me as exceptional...
* The song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - "Through the years, we all will be together, if the fates allow..." I have a personal connection to that song and the loss of my father, so that line always gets me.
* Ralphie Parker wanting his Red Ryder BB Gun, and being warned "You'll shoot your eye out!"
* Linus, on stage, saying "Lights please?" and reciting the story of Christ's birth.

4) Is there a Christmas program that unintentionally frightens you--or turns you off?

There have been some bad sequels out there - A Christmas Story II, for example. I can't do it. It's just too far off from the classic.
Frightened? Hmmm, not really any that come to mind.

5) Name one character from Christmas entertainment with whom you closely identify? and explain why.

I grew up believing I was Ralphie Parker (down to the glasses and cheesy grin!). Such an idealized version of family and home life, even with all the challenges. Today, however, I would say George Bailey. Sometimes it's hard to remember the blessings when the challenges seem to appear over and over again.